Irresistible Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe for Dinner Magic

Mastering the art of comfort food takes skill, and this stuffed bell pepper casserole brings incredible flavor to your dinner table.

Colorful peppers nestled with seasoned meat create a delightful one-dish meal everyone will love.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying culinary experience.

Rich protein and vibrant vegetables combine in a simple yet impressive dish.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully layered component.

Quick preparation means you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.

Serve this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch smiles spread around the table.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Full Of Flavor

• Quick Family Feast: Transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an easy, one-dish meal that feeds everyone without complicated preparation steps.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Combines lean protein from ground beef, vegetables from bell peppers and tomatoes, and wholesome rice for a balanced, satisfying dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, use different cheese varieties, or add extra spices to make the recipe match your family's taste preferences perfectly.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people, making it an excellent option for economical meal planning.

Ingredients For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides protein and richness to the casserole.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: A colorful and aromatic vegetable blend that adds depth and nutrition to the dish.

• Rice: A fluffy and filling grain that helps bind the casserole together.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Broth: Moist ingredients that create a saucy and cohesive texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: A melty and tangy topping that adds a creamy finish to the casserole.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing the vegetables and creating a base for the dish.

How To Prepare Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), getting ready for a delicious bell pepper adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

Cook the rice following the package instructions until fluffy and perfect.

Set it aside for the magical combination later.

Step 3: Sizzle and Soften Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell peppers

Sauté until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Toss in the ground beef and cook until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light and tasty.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Broth
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let everything simmer and mingle for about 5 minutes, creating a rich and aromatic mixture.

Step 6: Combine and Transfer

Fold the cooked rice into the beef mixture, then transfer the entire delightful concoction into a greased casserole dish.

Step 7: Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle cheddar cheese generously on top.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then serve up this comforting and hearty meal that’s sure to make everyone at the table smile.

Tips To Perfect Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to cut down on saturated fat without sacrificing flavor.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separated grains in your casserole.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutrition and create more depth in the dish.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature before sprinkling to ensure more even melting and better coverage.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish delicious.

Variations For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap cheddar cheese with feta, add kalamata olives, and use oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty, southwestern-style casserole.

Serving Suggestions For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Fresh Garden Side Salad: Crisp mixed greens tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette complement the rich, hearty casserole perfectly.
• Wine Pairing Delight: A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the beef and tomato flavors, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Creamy Cooling Companion: Dollop some tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to cut through the casserole's warmth and add a refreshing contrast.
• Crusty Bread Bonus: Serve with warm garlic bread or toasted French baguette slices to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and complete the meal.

Storage Advice For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and ensure your rice is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty stuffed bell pepper casserole blends Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting casserole textures. Cheese, ground beef, and rice combine for a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Liquid Base:

• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven to 350F (175C), ensuring proper rack placement for even heating.
2. Cook rice following package guidelines, allowing it to rest and cool slightly.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing onion, garlic, and bell peppers until they become translucent and tender.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly and eliminating any excess grease to maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, melding flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Fold the cooked rice into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Transfer the combined mixture to a greased casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
8. Generously sprinkle cheddar cheese across the surface, covering the entire casserole.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly texture.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to settle and making it easier to portion.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy peppers like jalapeños for extra kick.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and different texture in the casserole.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg